Bridge Collapse in Panga

This was shocking to us! Last 6 days ago we just awarded one supplier for the bulk buying. They will send their materials from Meulaboh to our sites in West Coast. It means they will pass this bridge. With this situation, they have to change the route. The roadway from Banda Aceh to West Coast is not much better compare from Meulaboh.

Below is the email of Eka Rinanda from Aceh Jaya Field Office
Office of the United Nations Recovery Coordinator for Aceh and Nias (UNORC): Today at around 12.00 am a UNORC Calang received a report of a bridge (bailey bridge) collapse in Panga. A 30 - 40 MT JICS truck loaded with sands/gravel which was trying to cross stumbled in to the river. No casualties was reported - there was only one driver and no passenger, but the truck is currently still in the river. The exact location is in Ulee Titi sub village, Keude Panga village, Panga sub district. The bridge is not totally disconnected, but twisted halfway through therefore it is not passable for vehicles. Motorbike can go trough, some reported, but passenger have to get off.

I spoke to Samaritan's Purse in Panga for the above detail information and informed this to BRR Regional Office here. I have called Dewi Elyana in our meulaboh office and she will inform NGOs/Agencies in Meulaboh about this situation, and maybe talk to JICS office there. From BRR side, Saliza will contact Banda Aceh for follow up. I also heard that Oxfam may has planned to fix this bridge and they have check on the spot today - this I will confirm with Oxfam Calang.

I attach photos taken by ACF staff for your clear description of the damage. It is critical for Aceh Jaya especially now that we hear about fuel shortage in Calang and need to get supply from Meulaboh. The email sent on Mar 9, 2006 3:01 PM

Arwin Soelaksono - Disaster Response & reConstruction